What is the meaning of “My Cat was back and so was. I”? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?

The author was very fond of his cat and their affectionate bond is evident in the plot.

The author was broken when he lost his cat when the house caught fire. He had rescued her when she was a little kitten. He felt miserable and lonely.

When the author’s schoolmates helped him and extended invitations for their homes, he felt relieved and happy. Their genuine concern moved the author and his heart was filled with happiness and optimism.

One day, around a month later, when the author and his friends were sitting near his old house watching it rebuild, a woman with a cat came to them and enquired if it belonged to them. The narrator’s joy knew no bounds and he grabbed and hugged her. His friends hugged him and the cat.

The feeling of loss and tragedy seemed to diminish. He was deeply obliged to the stranger who had brought his cat. He could not help say that he was back to his original self.

He had not gone anywhere but had become hopeless after the tragedy.